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Volume 6, Issue 33, August 20, 2008 |
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Are long lines at security a thing of the past? As of Aug. 16, the Transportation Security Administration has begun allowing passengers with “checkpoint-friendly” laptop bags to leave their computers inside and pass through X-ray screening without the hassle of taking out their laptop. Checkpoint-friendly bags include butterfly, tri-fold and sleeve cases and cannot have any metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section. Other guidelines include: The bag must have a designated laptop-only section that can lay flat on the belt; no pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section; no other objects inside the laptop-only section; and the laptop-only section completely unfolds to lay flat on the X-ray belt.
The TSA said they reached out to manufactures in March to design bags that would produce a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop when passing through X-ray screening. According to the TSA, 60 manufacturers responded and 40 submitted prototypes. Companies offering the new cases include Briggs & Riley; Skooba Design and Targus Group International and should be available for purchase by mid-October.
Keep in mind, purchasing one of these bags does not guarantee that you can bypass taking your laptop out of the case. If the TSA finds that the bag does not present a clear and distinct image, the laptop will have to be screened separately. 
Due to the huge success of its East Coast all-business-class service, Singapore Airlines has launched all-business-class service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN). The new route, serviced by a reconfigured Airbus A340-500 with 100 of the airline’s new award-winning business-class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, debuted on Aug. 10. According to Singapore Airlines, each seat measures 30 inches in width, almost 50 percent wider than most products in this class. As of now, the all-business-class aircraft operates on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and will increase to daily flights by mid-September.
Star Alliance has launched the industry’s first-ever document checking system designed to help travelers navigate the complex task of verifying travel documentation requirements when traveling to multiple countries. Developed by experts from 11 of its member carriers, Auto Doc Check will first be implemented by Singapore Airlines with other carriers following in the future. Lee Hock Lye, Star Alliance vice president, products and services, said: “Up to now it has been a challenge for check-in personnel and passengers to keep current about what documents are needed for traveling abroad. With state-of-the-art technology now evaluating the passenger’s travel documents and deciding if the passenger is allowed to travel, Auto Doc Check is taking the guess work out of this decision.” Auto Doc Check returns a concise “Yes,” “No” or “Conditional” response at check-in. Passengers checking in via the Internet or self-service kiosks will have access to Auto Doc Check service.
Sheraton Hotels has partnered with Microsoft to offer a new visual concierge service called Microsoft Surface, a multi-touch surface computer that provides instant access to city information and entertainment in the lobby and select club floors of hotels in five U.S. cities. The 30-inch, 360-degree user interface Microsoft Surface table stations allow guests to simultaneously search content and information easily, and access a music library and create playlists. Microsoft Surface stations will be located in the lobbies and select club floors of the Sheraton Boston Hotel, Chicago Hotels & Towers, Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Gateway San Francisco Airport Hotel and Sheraton Seattle Hotel.
American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia Airlines have signed a joint business agreement on flights between North America and Europe and plan to expand their global cooperation. Under the joint business agreement, the three airlines will cooperate more closely to improve travel choices, offer more convenient schedules and give customers more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles. They will expand their codeshare arrangement flights within and beyond the E.U. and U.S., significantly increasing the number of destinations that the airlines can offer customers. This joint business agreement will enable airlines to reduce costs and attract new customers, while competing effectively with rival global air alliances such as Sky Team and Star Alliance.
Continental Airlines will launch daily nonstop flights between Newark (EWR) and Shanghai (SHA) and through flight service between Cleveland (CLE) and Shanghai (SHA) beginning March 25, 2009. The new service will provide daily nonstop flights to the largest U.S.-China market, which currently lacks daily service. All flights will include new BusinessFirst 180-degree lie-flat seats among other amenities. Seats are available for booking now.
Seoul Incheon (ICN) to New York (JFK)
tel 888 437 7718
www.flyasiana.com
I had spent the day in Seoul after flying all night from another destination in the Pacific. I landed in Seoul at around 6:30 a.m., and since my flight was not till later that evening, I took the opportunity to visit the Demilitarized Zone, which I recommend to any traveler visiting Korea.
I returned to Incheon and made my way swiftly through security and to Asiana’s Lounge, (Asiana is building a new lounge to open next year). The lounge had a nice assortment of drinks and a buffet of warm and cold items. The shower, which I used earlier in the day, was well stocked with all the necessity items.
I boarded the Boeing 747-400 and was excited to see Asiana’s new first-class cabin with a configuration of 1-1 in the nose. This is a long non-stop flight, lasting 12-and-a-half hours, so I was pleased to sit in Asiana's new flatbed first-class seat.
The flight attendants were excellent and treated passengers like VIPs. Champagne was served at boarding and within no time, the door was closed and we were taxiing to take off. Once airborne, dinner was served — all the while I was engrossed in a movie. Once the meal service was complete, I decided to take advantage of the flat bed and the flight attendant handed me a comfortable duvet. I slept for eight or nine hours — a testament to the comfortable bed. When I woke, the flight attendant was shocked that I could sleep so long, “Like a baby she said.” We both laughed. I was then offered a fantastic meal of dim sum, which was very tasty and a nice final touch before landing. Just before we landed, the flight attendant offered all first-class passengers a selection of mementos. I opted for a Versace coffee mug, which I often use and which reminds me of my fine flight, good sleep and the wonderful, attentive flight attendants on Asiana.
Score: ••••• Francis X. Gallagher
Still have no plans for Labor Day? Five of Marriott and Renaissance Hotels in the Big Easy are offering guests a Labor Day getaway starting at $89 per night, valid from Aug. 28-Sept. 1. Guests will be close to many local attractions and sites such as Jackson Square, the French Quarter, Warehouse and Garden Districts and National World War II Museum.
This Labor Day some of the greatest musicians will be performing at Chicago’s Jazz Festival and the Westin Chicago River North is offering travelers a special Park & Eat package, valid from Aug. 28-Sept. 1. The Park & Eat package features complimentary parking and breakfast for two at the hotel’s Ember Grille restaurant. Rates start at $220 per night.
Through Sept. 29, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is offering guests a free night, when booking a two-night weekend commencing on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Rates start at $199 per night and must be booked online.
Through Dec. 18, the luxurious Regent Bal Harbour, located less than 30 minutes from both Miami (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) airports, is offering airfare credits to guests who stay at least four nights. Book a superior bay-view guestroom and receive $500 airfare credits; premier deluxe panoramic-view room and receive $750 airfare credits; deluxe suite ocean-view and receive $1,000 airfare credits; or a premier deluxe suite panoramic view for $2,500 credits.
The 66-room Fleming Hotel, one of Hong Kong’s most stylish hotels, is offering a special package to celebrate its second anniversary. From Oct. 16-22, rates are $216 per night for a superior room; $254 for a deluxe room; or $292 for an executive room. Continental breakfast for two, fruit basket upon arrival, complimentary in-room mini bar and late check out are all included.
